Control Definition

[Trilabite]

Hello,

Quick Newb question. I just got a new Haas TM-2P (first serious cnc mill), and I'm trying out Mastercam to see if its the way to go. My question is should I be running a specific Control Definition? or is that not necessary to get started. Still not sure what Control Definition stuff is for really. Any light shed on the subject would be extremely appreciated.

Cheers!

[Rstewart]

The Out-of-the box MpMaster Post can be downloaded on the mastercam website.

Just adjust whichever settings necassary like: unit per min feedrate, break arcs at 180deg, control supports sub's, and stuff like that....

I have a Haas and a Mori, for the most part use the same settings.

[Trilabite]

Thanks Stewart, I'll dig into it and see how it goes. Do you find it helpful to also set the table limits on the Axis? Or is it better to just leave them at their default?

[Rstewart]

Na, I just set Max Feedrate, A axis stuff, and a few other things in Machine definition.

[Trilabite]

Perfect! Going to try it out now. Thanks again Stewart.

[John_B]

For initial testing the default post file works, but if you choose to stick with Mastercam get a post file specific for the Haas mill control. There alot of features that Mastercam can use in the nc file that the default doesn't include, which will require you to do alot of hand editing.

[Trilabite]

Thanks John, I think I do plan to stick with Mastercam. There is allot I'm not sure about yet. Is the TM capable of doing Helix moves for example. Also something I'm trying to figure out is when I set up a custom tool library, does the Haas controller use the tool height offsets in the machine. Or will MC use the settings I add in the tool library.

Again thanks all for help with this!

[John_B]

I don't have personal experience on the TM series machines, but I can't think that Haas wouldn't incorporate the helical moves in their control when the VF series have it.

Relating to tool height offsets, the most common way is to program from the tool tip - and then use Tool Length Offsets in the machine control to account for the length of the tool. There are other ways but they are a hassle in my experience and only worthwhile if you have a really huge operation (I know of a shop in Puyallup, Washington that doesn't use any machine offsets at all, they program in the CAM system all the fixture & part locations and all their tool lengths).

[Trilabite]

Thanks John!

I'm very happy to say that I finally got everything working (for the most part) and machined my first part! For not its in acrylic, but everything looks right. I had two little issues with the G code but managed to get it to work. Perhaps someone could shed some light on this?

The main issue I have is when I run the NC file out of Mastercam, the tool offset line comes up with H0; for every tool. It was an easy fix as I just went in and re-numbered them to the appropriate offsets example: T11, I changed from H0, to H11. This worked, but is there a way that Mastercam can do this for automatically? I can't seem to figure out where abouts this option is. Sorry if this is a dumb question which I'm sure it is.

The other question/issue is I was trying to do a helical move for the pocket, but it seemed to not like that and had to change it to a ramp. Can anyone confirm out there if this is a limitation for the TM series? I tried to find some info for this online. But don't seem to have any luck.

In the end just happy to be making chips! Even if it's plastic ones for now.

[Rstewart]

Are you inputting the tool #, height, and Dia number on the tool page? There are options on how the tools are numbered- sequential or from tool. Check those out, think its in the machine def.
I would seriously hope your haas can do helical interpolation........ Possibly u will find issues if your using control comp. Which is worthless IMHO when you can use wear comp.

[Superman]

Three things to look at for having H# & D# match the T#

1- ensure the "Length Offset Number" & "Diameter Offset Numbers" match on the tool definition ( speeds/feeds/plunge rate page )

2- check ON the "Use tool's speed, feed, coolant" on the files tab ( op manager ) ( not critical, but you may wonder why your coolant is not on, or the speeds/feeds are not right )

2- have the control definition file "Tool settings" - Add 0(ZERO) to the diameter & length offsets - checked ON
access to #3 ( to make permanent changes ) is thru the "Edit machine definition file" (settings pull-down) then edit your actual control file